Archive for the ‘Supplements’ Category

9 Lyme & Tick-borne Disease Hacks & Dr. John Aucott’s Lyme Research Update

https://www.treatlyme.net/guide/lyme-tick-borne-disease-hacks  Video Here (Approx. 35 Min)

Nine Lyme and Tick-borne Disease Hacks

Marty Ross MD presents nine hacks for Lyme and tick borne disease. Watch this video and Powerpoint presentation to find real ways to improve your health.

This is a second recording of a video Powerpoint presentation first delivered to the Canadian Lyme Disease Research Network Virtual 2023 Awareness Event on May 23, 2023.

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Watch Dr. John Aucott’s update on latest Lyme disease research

Dr. John Aucott, Director of the Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research Center, recently delivered an overview of Lyme and other tick-borne disease research. You can watch a replay of his presentation below.

What follows is the introduction to Dr. Aucott by Shireen Rusby, one of the founders of Maryland’s Lyme Care Resource Center.

May is Lyme disease awareness month. Like any “awareness” effort, the intent is to increase the attention to and appreciation for the subject. In the case of Lyme disease there is a particularly powerful irony to the concept of awareness. Lyme disease is an illness that is often hidden and its symptoms unrecognized, yet the patient can be so overwhelmed that there is little reprieve from the self-awareness that dominates each day.

Those of us living with Lyme disease, as well as those living with many other long-term, hidden health conditions, have experienced very similar scenarios – the body’s natural inclination toward homeostasis is challenged.

Balance becomes harder to achieve and maintain. Lyme has imbalanced us, COVID has imbalanced us, ME/CFS has imbalanced us, dysautonomia and POTS have imbalanced us. So while our bodies, minds and spirits are making constant efforts to balance and rebalance physically, mentally and emotionally, what is the impact of stressors on a system that is already experiencing overload?

Well, that’s a whole thesis in and of itself and we’re not going to cover it tonight. But there is one stressor that we can increase “awareness” of this evening. For members of the Lyme community and those of other hidden illnesses, the challenges of dysfunctional homeostasis are compounded by the emotional strain of invalidation.

What interferes with healing

When we then begin to doubt our own reality, we make efforts to normalize the abnormal state of our being and that in turn leads to an even greater maladaptive response and further interferes with healing.

In his book, Conquering Lyme Disease, Dr. Brian Fallon states: “The experience of being disbelieved and misrepresented over and over is inherently traumatizing. Some patients…have identified this atmosphere of disbelief (and the resulting social isolation and self-doubt) as the single most stressful aspect of their illness experience.”

Some of you may have seen the movie Avatar. It is a futuristic story of human beings landing on another planet and attempting to conquer the native people of that land. When greeting each other, these natives to whom we are supposedly superior, look each other in the eye and say, “I see you.”

This simple phrase encapsulates much of our ongoing struggle in the medical world. It speaks to a fundamentally necessary component of the practitioner-patient relationship that is at times absent in this journey with invisible illness.

Many medical professionals may not know where to turn when blood work looks normal and verifiable analytical tools fail to provide objective evidence. The simple truth, however, is that an absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. That quote, often attributed to the astrophysicist Carl Sagan, can serve as an incredibly powerful guiding principle when it comes to illnesses like Lyme disease.

The art of inquiry

Our lack of comprehensive and neatly packaged scientific proof need not preclude our awareness and acknowledgement of the situation. Rather, this is an opportunity for us to practice the art of inquiry as the necessary first step on the path of healing.

And certainly, there is no one path of healing in illnesses as complex as Lyme disease, and that adds to the challenge for both the patient and the practitioner. The fractured Western paradigm of medicine, in its tendency to compartmentalize and classify health as black or white, present or absent, positive or negative often fails to recognize the holistic nature of human suffering.

But the path of healing is first paved with recognition of and respect for the imbalanced body, mind and spirit.

Our journey to regain and retain balance begins again each day. In paving this path let us remember to turn toward the light especially when it seems dark, and let us use the tools of compassion and understanding to help one another.

Fostering awareness of this hidden yet ever-growing health pandemic will increase the opportunities for healing, and will turn the tide against the history of glaring invisibility and deafening silence.

We have as our guest speaker tonight someone who has made it his mission to foster the awareness of Lyme disease. He has paved the path of healing for countless Lyme warriors with sound practices and with stellar science.

John Aucott and his amazing team at the Lyme Disease Research Center, have partnered with many, first and foremost with the patients they serve, to produce the scientific evidence necessary to authenticate many of our struggles – struggles which we have experienced for months, years or even decades, while seeking out the rare practitioner like him who looks at us and says “I see you.”

For your endless support, for your validation of what we endure, and for your ongoing efforts to find the evidence that may have once seemed absent –we offer our endless gratitude.

http://  Approx. 2 hours

LCRC May 2023: Advances in Lyme Disease and Tickborne Disease Research

Dr. Aucott will be discussing research advances in Lyme Disease and Tickborne Diseases, including an update on diagnostics, potential biomarkers, advanced neuroimaging, and future treatments.

For more:

Category:

Activism, Detoxing, diet and nutrition, Gut Health, Herbs, Inflammation, Lyme, Mold, Supplements, Testing, Treatment

Are You Unknowingly Ingesting Toxic Mold?

https://www.lymedisease.org/unknowingly-ingesting-mold/

Are you unknowingly ingesting toxic mold?

By Lonnie Marcum
April 4, 2023

Do you feel like you’re doing everything right and still not getting better? It’s possible something hidden in your daily routine may be sabotaging your healing.

One potential culprit is manufactured citric acid (MCA), often added to food as a preservative and flavor enhancer.

It’s used in processed foods, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, fruit drinks, nutritional supplements, vitamins, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and more.

And here’s the potential problem: this ingredient is mass produced using  Aspergillus niger—a type of mold. People with chronic illness and weakened immune systems may react badly to it. In fact, many patients with persistent symptoms of Lyme disease experience more severe symptoms when exposed to mold.

To date, there have been no human trials investigating the safety of MCA. However, in 2018, two medical doctors at the University of Chicago did a deep literature review and found cause for concern.

In their published paper, they present a series of four case reports of patients who had significant worsening of symptoms after ingesting MCA. By eliminating MCA, each of the patients had a resolution of symptoms.

What exactly is this substance?

Citric acid is naturally derived from lemons, limes and other fruits and vegetables and was widely used in foods and beverages until the early 1900s. In 1917, James Currie, an American chemist, discovered he could mass produce citric acid from mold.

Today, 99% of citric acid in commercial use is manufactured from fermented corn syrup and Aspergillus niger.

In 2016 there were 2.3 million tons of MCA produced, predominantly in China. Approximately 70% of that MCA is used in foods and beverages, 20% in pharmaceutical ingredients and cosmetics, and 10% in cleaning and softening agents.

While the basic molecular formula for natural citric acid and MCA is the same (C-6,H-8,O-7), MCA contains the potential of contamination by impurities and fragments of Aspergillus niger.

When mold enters the body, the immune system recognizes it as a foreign invader and mounts a response to remove it. The specific immune response to mold depends on the type of mold, the individual’s immune system, and the duration and extent of exposure.

Aspergillus niger is commonly found in soil and decaying vegetation. It is extremely resilient, flourishing in both hot and cold climates.

While the FDA currently lists MCA as a safe ingredient, it was developed at a time before the agency monitored food additives. In 1958, the US adopted the Food Additives Amendment, making any ingredients added to food subject to FDA approval. However, Congress excluded from this requirement all food ingredients in use before 1958.

Allergic reactions

Symptoms of mold allergy can include:

  • Respiratory symptoms (coughing, wheezing, worsening Asthma)
  • Skin rash or hives
  • Itchy or watery eyes
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Headache
  • Gastrointestinal upset

In rare cases, exposure to Aspergillus niger can lead to a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention.

If you suspect that you may have an allergy to Aspergillus niger or other molds, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider. They may recommend allergy and mold testing to confirm the diagnosis.

Minimizing exposure

It’s important for people with weakened immune symptoms to minimize their exposure to mold. If you live or work in an environment where you are likely to be exposed to mold, you may need to take steps to reduce your exposure and minimize your risk of developing an allergy.

Ways to minimize mold exposure include keeping your living spaces clean and dry, using air filters or dehumidifiers, and consuming clean food and beverages. In severe cases, more drastic remediation efforts must be taken.

If you have a known mold sensitivity,  I recommend that you read the ingredient of your most frequently consumed foods, beverages, and supplements. Ingredients are listed from highest to lowest content. If you see citric acid high on the list and you notice an increase in symptoms shortly after consuming that product, you might try eliminating the item from your diet.

For more information, see:

LYME SCI: Are hidden ingredients in pills making you sicker?

LYME SCI: Dealing with Lyme disease and mold illness at the same time.

LYME SCI: Lyme? Mold toxicity? Other chronic ills? Read this book.

TICKTECTIVE: All about kids with Lyme, PANS, and mold illness.

LymeSci is written by Lonnie Marcum, a Licensed Physical Therapist and mother of a daughter with Lyme. She served two terms on a subcommittee of the federal Tick-Borne Disease Working Group. Follow her on Twitter: @LonnieRhea  Email her at: lmarcum@lymedisease.org.

Reference

Sweis IE, Cressey BC. Potential role of the common food additive manufactured citric acid in eliciting significant inflammatory reactions contributing to serious disease states: A series of four case reports. Toxicol Rep. 2018 Aug 9;5:808-812. doi: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2018.08.002. PMID: 30128297; PMCID: PMC6097542.

For more:

Category:

Mold, research, Supplements

Best Supplements For Arthritis

https://www.paintreatmentdirectory.com/posts/the-best-supplements-for-arthritis

The Best Supplements for Arthritis

The Best Supplements for Arthritis

By: Cindy Perlin, LCSW

3/26/23

There is no one treatment that will address all the complex factors that affect the onset and progression of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Certain supplements can be very helpful for reducing arthritis pain and improving function . Some of the most powerful are turmeric, fish oil, ginger, SAM-e, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine and CBD.These supplements have anti-inflammatory and/or joint rebuilding effects.

The best results will be obtained by combining supplements with an anti-inflammatory diet, exercise and stress management. There are also therapies that can be very effective, for the treatment of arthritis, including acupuncture, massage, physical therapy, low level laser therapy and pulsed electromagnetic therapy (PEMF).

Anti-inflammatory drugs can have serious, even fatal, side effects, including causing potentially fatal GI bleeding and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes and reducing immune response. Using safer, natural supplements to reduce inflammation and pain is a better strategy.

Although OA was once considered primarily a degenerative and non-inflammatory condition, it is now recognized as having inflammatory aspects, including elevated cytokine levels, as well as potentially being connected with systemic inflammation.

Turmeric 

Turmeric (active ingredient curcumin) reduces pain, inflammation and stiffness related to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis (OA).  This herb is traditionally used in Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic medicine to treat arthritis. It also blocks inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, including cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), the target of the anti-inflammatory prescription drug celecoxib (Celebrex).

In a small 2012 pilot study, curcumin reduced joint pain and swelling in patients with active RA better than diclofenac (Voltaren), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Unlike NSAIDs, curcumin was not found to be associated with any adverse events.[3]

A 2016 systematic review and meta-analysis provided scientific evidence that 8–12 weeks of standardized turmeric extracts (typically 1000 mg/day of curcumin) treatment can reduce arthritis symptoms (mainly pain and inflammation-related symptoms) and result in similar improvements of the symptoms as ibuprofen and diclofenac sodium without the gastrointestinal and cardiac risks of NSAIDs

A 2018 study lasting 12 weeks found that both turmeric and turmeric combined with boswellic acid improved function and reduced joint pain, though the combination worked better to improve performance than curcumin alone.

So turmeric could be part of the answer to the question, “What is the best supplement for arthritis?”

Arthritis Foundation recommended dosage: Capsules, extract (more likely to be free of contaminants) or spice. For OA: Capsule, typically 400 mg to 600 mg, three times per day; or 0.5 g to 1 g of powdered root up to 3 g per day. For RA: 500 mg twice daily. Curcumin is a key chemical in turmeric

Shop for Products with Turmeric 

Fish Oil (Omega-3 fatty acids)

Fish oil reduces inflammation and morning stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis and preliminary studies indicate it may have a similar effect on osteoarthritis. Fish oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids (including EPA and DHA), which block inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins. The body converts them into powerful anti-inflammatory chemicals called resolvins. Resolvins are molecules that promote resolution of cellular inflammation, allowing inflamed tissues to return to a healthier state.EPA and DHA have been extensively studied for RA as well as many other inflammatory conditions.

A 2010 meta-analysis found that fish oil significantly decreased joint tenderness and stiffness in RA patients and reduced or eliminated NSAID use.

A 2005 study of people with RA showed enhanced positive effects when fish oil supplements were used in combination with olive oil.

A 2018 review of the evidence of the benefits of fish oil for RA found that consumption of Omega 3 fatty acids significantly improved eight disease-activity-related markers.

Fish oil is also important for brain, eye and heart health. It also helps with anxiety and depression. It is safe, with no significant adverse effects. So it just may be another answer to “What is the best supplement for arthritis?”

Arthritis Foundation recommended dosage: Fish, capsules, softgels, chewable tablets or liquid. For general health, two 3-ounce servings of fish a week are recommended. However, it’s difficult to get a therapeutic dose of fish oil from food alone. To treat arthritis-related conditions, use fish oil capsules with at least 30 percent EPA/ DHA, the active ingredients. For RA and OA, up to 2.6 g, twice a day

Ginger

Ginger decreases joint pain and reduces inflammation both in people with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) Ginger has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen and COX-2 inhibitors such as celecoxib (Celebrex). Ginger also suppresses inflammatory molecule called leukotrienes and switches off certain inflammatory genes, potentially making it more effective than conventional pain relievers. Side effects are limited to mild gastrointestinal upset in some patients.

A 2010 study of 247 patients with knee OA found that ginger reduced knee pain when standing and walking and improved quality of life.

In a 2012 in vitro study, a ginger extract called Eurovita Extract 77 reduced inflammatory reactions in RA synovial cells as effectively as steroids.

For OA, In one trial of more than 200 patients, Eurovita Extract 77 improved OA pain after standing and walking.

A 2015 study found that using ginger extract nanoparticals in a cream 3x a day for 12 weeks improved knee joint pain, daily activities, sports activities and quality of life. There were no adverse effects.

A 2017 study of twice a week self-knee massage with ginger oil in patients with OA found patients had reduced pain and improved function after one and five weeks.

A 2019 study found that ginger can alter gene expression in people with RA to improve disease manifestation.

Arthritis Foundation recommended dosage: Powder, extract, tincture, capsules and oils, up to 2 g in three divided doses per day or up to 4 cups of tea daily. In studies, 255 mg of Eurovita Extract 77 (equivalent to 3,000 mg dried ginger) twice daily.

SAM-e

S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM-e) is a compound found naturally in the body that has anti-inflammatory, cartilage-protecting and pain-relieving effects. In studies, supplementing with SAM-e was as effective at relieving OA pain as NSAIDs like ibuprofen and celecoxib, without their side effects. A systematic review published in 2011 of complementary and alternative medicines in the management of osteoarthritis found consistent evidence that SAM-e was effective in the management of osteoarthritis. No adverse effects were found in any of the studies.

SAM-e also has a mild to moderate antidepressant effect, and is frequently used as a natural alternative to anti-depressant medication..

The typical SAM-e dose is 1,200 mg daily. It will take a few weeks to see the effects..

Glucosamine

Glucosamine is a major component of joint cartilage and levels drop as people age. It also helps keep the cartilage in joints healthy and may have an anti-inflammatory effect. Glucosamine produced in the body provides natural building blocks for growth, repair and maintenance of cartilage and may lubricate joints, helping cartilage retain water and prevent its breakdown.  It is often combined with chondroitin (see below).

Supplements are derived from the shells of shellfish (such as shrimp, lobster and crab) or from animal bones or fungi.

The largest study to date, the 2006 Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT) looked at 1,600 people with knee OA. The first phase found that patients with moderate-to-severe arthritis experienced significant pain relief from combined glucosamine and chondroitin. The 2008 phase found that glucosamine and chondroitin, together or alone, did not slow joint damage. In the two-year-long 2010 phase, glucosamine and chondroitin were found as effective for knee OA as celecoxib (Celebrex).

Other research has suggested that glucosamine does slow joint damage. A 2008 retrospective study of nearly 275 patients found those using glucosamine for at least 12 months underwent half as many joint replacement surgeries as those on placebo.

In a small 2012 study, an improvement in symptoms after 12 weeks was seen with combined glucosamine and NSAIDs, and a smaller but still significant improvement with glucosamine alone. Study authors speculate that long-term treatment with glucosamine may reduce dependence on NSAIDs and delay disease progression.

Glucosamine may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms, as well as increased blood glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride and blood pressure. This supplement can increase eye pressure in people with glaucoma.

A 2018 review and metanalysis published in JAMAof all of the therapeutic agents used for knee arthritis long term, including analgesics, antioxidants, bone-acting agents, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), intra-articular injection medications such as hyaluronic acid and corticosteroids, symptomatic slow-acting drugs in osteoarthritis and putative disease modifying agents,  found that only glucosamine sulfate was associated with pain improvement. This also may be another answer to “What is the best supplement for arthritis?”

Arthritis Foundation recommended dosage: Capsules, tablets, liquid or powder (to be mixed into a drink); 1,500 mg once daily or in three divided doses to prevent stomach upset. Often combined with chondroitin. May take up to one month to notice effect.

Chondroitin Sulfate

Chondroitin is a component of human connective tissues found in cartilage and bone. In supplements, chondroitin sulfate usually comes from animal cartilage. Reduces pain and inflammation, improves joint function and slows progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Chondroiton is believed to enhance the shock-absorbing properties of collagen and block enzymes that break down cartilage. Helps cartilage retain water and may reverse cartilage loss when used with glucosamine.

The largest study to date, the 2006 Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT) looked at 1,600 people with knee OA. (See above under glucosamine for results.)

A separate 2011 study showed a significant improvement in pain and function in patients with hand OA using chondroitin alone.

A 2013 review of the evidence on use of chondroitin for OA concluded that chondroitin has a beneficial effect on different kinds of cells involved in osteoarthritis and that it is an effective and safe treatment option for patients with OA.

Chondroitin and glucosamine supplements appear to be safe and constitute another good answer to the question, “What is the best supplement for arthritis?”

Chondroitin taken with blood-thinning medication like NSAIDs may increase the risk of bleeding. If you are allergic to sulfonamides, start with a low dose of chondroitin sulfate and watch for any side effects. Other side effects include diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain.

Arthritis Foundation Recommended Dosage: Capsules, tablets and powder; 800 mg to 1,200 mg daily in two to four divided doses. Often combined with glucosamine. Allow up to one month to notice effect.

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CBD (Cannabidiol)

Research has shown that CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating pain and inflammation. CBD may also help reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines, which are molecules that contribute to inflammation in the body.

Though research to date has been somewhat limited, both animal and human studies have shown positive effects.

In a 2019 study published in the journal European Journal of Pain, researchers found that CBD gel applied to the skin significantly reduced joint swelling and pain in rats with arthritis. The study suggested that topical CBD may be a safe and effective treatment for arthritis-related pain and inflammation in humans.

In a 2020 study published in the journal Pain Medicine, researchers found that CBD treatment improved pain and sleep in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The study suggested that CBD may be a promising therapeutic option for management of pain and other symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

A 2020 study published in the journal Cell Death and Disease concluded that “CBD possesses anti-arthritic activity and might ameliorate arthritis via targeting synocial fibroblasts under inflammatory conditions.”

A 2022 study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research found that CBD se was associated with improvements in pain, physical function,and sleep quality. The majority of respondentsreported a reduction or cessation of use of other medications after CBD use.

Shop for CBD Products

Other Beneficial Supplements for Arthritis

Other supplements that have evidence of effectiveness for arthritis include: Borage oil, Boswellia, Bromelain, Cat’s Claw, Devil’s claw, DMSO, Ginkgo, GLA, MSM, Pycnogenol, St. John’s Wort and Stinging Nettle.

Find Providers Who Treat Arthritis with Nutrition

Conclusion

There are many supplements that can reduce arthritis pain and functional limitations. All of them are less risky than using pharmaceuticals for pain relief. The supplements not only reduce pain, they appear to have a beneficial overall biological effect on the disease process.

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For more:

My last experiment for treating residual Lyme/MSIDS arthritis pain has been an elimination diet to determine what is causing the inflammation/pain.  This is quite a process but certainly an entirely new education on food and the body.  Again, what works for one doesn’t work for another but in my case food is a huge player.

So far I’ve discovered I can not tolerate gluten or nightshades.  I’ve already limited sugar, grains, and alcohol.  Still trying to figure out if there is any dairy I can partake of as well as nuts/seeds and other grains or beans.

One thing is for sure: if you suffer with enough pain you can give up almost anything!

Category:

Herbs, Inflammation, Pain Management, Supplements, Treatment

LDN For Lyme

https://www.treatlyme.net/guide/low-dose-naltexone-lyme-disease

Updated: 3/21/23

About Low-Dose Naltrexone for Lyme

Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) is very useful in Lyme disease. This low-cost medicine can

  • improve nerve, muscle, and inflammation pain,
  • decrease autoimmune illness triggered by Lyme,
  • improve mast cell activation symptoms,
  • lower cytokine inflammation, and
  • improve immune system function by increasing TRegs to balance Th1 and Th2.

In this article, I review the science and method for how LDN works. I describe how to use it in Lyme disease, and I review potential side effects.  (See link for article & video)

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For more:

Category:

Inflammation, Lyme, Pain Management, Sleep, Supplements, Treatment

The Real Reason the FDA is Attacking NAC

https://wmcresearch.substack.com/p/friday-hope-n-acetyl-cysteine-nac

Friday Hope: N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) Revisited: Taming the ROS Storm

The Oxygen Radical Removal Specialist

Walter M Chesnut

March 17, 2023
Article Excerpts:

We have long known of the cytokine and bradykinin storms associated with the severity and mortality of COVID-19. However, as my research began to reveal, I believe these are secondary to the main culprit in COVID-19 and Spike Protein pathology: The Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Storm.

Indeed, this has been hypothesized by others.

Previous studies highlighted the significance of a cytokine storm to the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and more recently, the possibility of another storm, the bradykinin one, also contributing to the widespread tissue damage observed in some COVID-19 patients, involving those with hypertension comorbidity. Under these unprecedented conditions, there is yet, another equally relevant, still overlooked, storm on the forecast for hypertension: the reactive oxygen species (ROS) storm.

This is where NAC enters the picture.

It acts directly as a scavenger of free radicals, especially oxygen radicals. NAC is a powerful antioxidant. It is also recommended as a potential treatment option for different disorders resulted from generation of free oxygen radicals.

A Review on Various Uses of N-Acetyl Cysteine
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5241507

N-Acetylcysteine to Combat COVID-19: An Evidence Review
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7649937/

NAC has the potential to be one of our most effective weapons against SARS-CoV-2 and its Spike Protein.

(See link for article)

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**Comment**

If the FDA attacks a supplement or medication, rest assured, there’s a nefarious reason they don’t want you to have it.

For more:

Supplements stand in the way of this medical monopoly our corrupt government is so determined to own.

Category:

Activism, research, Supplements, Viruses